Looking for opinions on rod holder placement (and other mods)

[ILRiverRat]

The new 'spare' kayak I got recently - is pretty bare bones and cheap. However, I want to rig it up a bit better with some holders, etc. So trying to decide if I want to put recessed holders behind the cockpit (where you can actually they molded cut-outs for them) or maybe up along side in front. I'd have to be a bit more careful so they don't come down and interfere with my legs, etc.
any opinions?

I probably would put them behind and then mount a single pedestal style (like a Scotty) up front for holding it while I'm paddling.

Plus - also planning to cut the bottom out of the rear storage bin/hatch for more room to store dry-bags, etc
and also adding some pad-eyes for tied downs and extra bungee up front (There's none)

Also - one mod I saw looked really interesting. It was a soft-sided carry handle mounted to the side of the kayak for easier transport. This thing only weighs 40 lbs - so I don't know if it's necessary or not - but it sure would be convenient...

I doubt I'll add an anchor trolley - my first yak had one factory installed and I don't really use it...

[bfish]

I like 3 adjustable rod holders mounted to a milk crate. One on either side and one out the back, usually all three are tilted to be parallel to the water. The crate is strapped down behind the seat and holds a couple boxes of tackle. Easy to set up and move from kayak to kayak.

[FishStik]

Sounds like you have a good plan so far with the flush mounts behind you and the pedestal up front. I'm not sure I understand the rear storage bin area that you are considering cutting out. What are your thoughts on how to utilize the area? I have a sit in Perception Sport that has a useless hatch behind the seat. I never considered cutting it out and retrofitting but I never use it anymore after getting my SOT. My wife has deemed it hers now!

[FishStik]

ILRiverRat, I told you wrong on the brand name of my old kayak...it was a Chute 9.8 not a Perception Sport. Tried to edit the post but it would not take for some reason.

[ILRiverRat]

thanks FishStik - I got a few accessories for Christmas and the mild weather allowed me to go out and make my mods to the new rig. I think it's ready to go and I'm happy with the result. I'll put some pics on shortly that explain what I'm talking about.
this picture needs to be rotated - but I'm on my Wife's IMac and I'm having 'issues' with photo editting (hopefully you'll get the idea of the cut out part) plus note the rod holders I put in too.

[ILRiverRat]

thanks bfish - can you post a pic? that sounds interesting. I'm wondering if there's a way to use a milk crate to hold fish temporarily (like from a stringer or basket - so I don't have to put them in the cockpit with me...

[FishStik]

Nice job on the flush mounts! I see what you mean about the cut out area now. You can definitely store more stuff now. Is the opening big enough for either a milk crate or a cooler to sit down in? If so, that would open up some real options on how to use it. A cooler could be used for storing your catch!

[bfish]

thanks bfish - can you post a pic? that sounds interesting. I'm wondering if there's a way to use a milk crate to hold fish temporarily (like from a stringer or basket - so I don't have to put them in the cockpit with me...

Not my picture, but similar: IMG_20121204_102520.jpg Photo by Lt-FireDog | Photobucket

Fish that I plan to keep go immediately in a soft sided cooler with a frozen water/gatoraid jug. Otherwise, they go immediately back into the water.

[ILRiverRat]

Yeah - thanks - attaching to the crate isn't the problem - kinda more interested in how to properly attach it to the kayak and whether easier/better to put it in front of me or behind me and the best way to do that. I think I can stuff a soft side cooler into the opening behind - but definitely not a hard side cooler. It's pretty small actually. (which is why it was worthless) - but I can fit 2-3 10 liter waterproof bags in it pretty easily. Saw one YouTube where a fella could carry enough stuff for a 2-3 day camping trip in. It was impressive how much stuff he kept pullilng out of that yak!

[bfish]

Jackson kayaks have straps/bungee in the tank well. Set milk crate in the tank well, then run straps/bungee through holes and back out.